FAQ — Lewis Heritage & Lime Mortar
🧱 About Our Work
Q: What makes Lewis Heritage & Lime Mortar different from general builders?
A: We operate exclusively as a conservation‑grade firm, using traditional lime mortars and hand‑tooled methods to protect historic masonry. Every project follows our detailed repointing process to ensure breathability and authenticity.
Q: Do you work on listed buildings?
A: Yes. We specialise in listed and period properties across Oxfordshire, Surrey, and the Cotswolds, following correct conservation procedures and materials approved for heritage use.
Q: What areas do you cover?
A: We primarily serve Oxfordshire (including Bicester and the Cotswold areas) and parts of Surrey and Buckinghamshire.
🧭 Heritage Surveys
Q: What is a Heritage Survey?
A: A Heritage Survey is a full conservation‑grade assessment of your building fabric, moisture behaviour, and mortar condition. It identifies breathability issues, cement contamination, and joint failure before any restoration begins.
Q: Why is a Heritage Survey required before repointing?
A: It ensures that repairs are specified correctly for your building’s age, materials, and moisture mechanics. This prevents damage caused by incompatible mortars or modern cement.
Q: How do I request a Heritage Survey?
A: You can request one directly through our website via the Request a Heritage Survey page.
🧱 Lime Mortar Repointing
Q: Why use lime mortar instead of cement?
A: Lime mortar allows walls to breathe, releasing moisture naturally. Cement traps moisture, causing decay, spalling, and frost damage.
Q: What type of lime do you use?
A: We use natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mixes tailored to each building’s original profile and joint depth — typically NHL 3.5 for most heritage masonry.
Q: How is old mortar removed?
A: All raking‑out is done by hand using bespoke tools. We never use mechanical grinders, which can damage historic brick and stone edges.
🧭 Project & Process
Q: What is your repointing process?
A: Every project follows our structured conservation workflow — from Heritage Survey and hand‑tooled raking to lime‑mortar application and curing. You can read the full method on our Our Repointing Process page.
Q: How long does repointing take?
A: Duration depends on the building size, joint depth, and condition. A typical heritage façade takes 1–3 weeks.
Q: Do you offer advice for damp or crumbling mortar?
A: Yes. We assess moisture movement and mortar decay during your Heritage Survey and provide tailored recommendations.
🧱 Materials & Standards
Q: What standards do you follow?
A: All work adheres to conservation‑grade principles and lime‑mortar best practice, aligned with SPAB and Historic England guidance.
Q: Can you match existing mortar colour and texture?
A: Absolutely. We analyse original mortar composition and aggregate to replicate the historic appearance precisely.
Q: Do you use modern additives or sealants?
A: No. We use pure lime‑based materials only — no cement, sealants, or synthetic additives.
🧭 Contact & Booking
Q: How do I get a quote?
A: After your Heritage Survey, we provide a detailed conservation‑grade quotation outlining materials, method, and timescale.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: We recommend booking 4–6 weeks ahead, especially for listed or large‑scale projects.
Q: How can I contact you?
A: You can reach us through the contact form on our website or by phone via the number listed on our Contact page.